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The League’s Missouri Voter newsletter

The Guide to State Action 2019-2021 contains LWVMO’s policy positions.

LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF MISSOURI 2019-2021 PROGRAM POSITIONS IN BRIEF

GOVERNMENT
Constitutional Revision Adopted 1941, Updated,1962, Revised 2017
– Support of specific constitutional revisions to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of state government

County Home Rule Adopted 01-08-1971
– Support of measures to extend home rule to counties

Election Process 
Campaign Finance Adopted 12-1978, Updated 2015
The complete lack of limits on payments in Missouri is a cause of substantial concern. This, coupled with the enormous influx of virtually uncontrolled money flowing into the election process, calls for LWVMO to be more direct in its position.

Legislative Reform Adopted 1964, Updated 1967, 2017
– Support of measures to improve the organization and powers of the Missouri General Assembly including the Sunshine Law and limiting campaign contributions and lobbyist gifts as included in Amendmen1, 2018. See guide to State Action for the specifics of the Amendment.

– Support of standards for apportionment to make congressional and legislative districts as compact, contiguous, and as nearly equal in population as possible with no partisan gerrymandering as included in Amendment 1, 2018. See Guide to State Action for the specifics of the Amendment.

Presidential Nominee Selection Process Adopted 1970, Updated 1986
– Support of measures to increase the informed participation of Missouri citizens in the selection of presidential nominees

Voting Rights Adopted 1919, Updated 1966, 1970, 2004, 2010
– Support of an accurate, efficient, accessible, recountable, secure, transparent and uniform election process
– Support of measures to ensure a secret ballot
– Support of no excuse absentee voting, advance voting and measures that facilitate participation in the election process 
– Support the fundamental right of every citizen to vote 

Fiscal Policy Adopted 1940, Updated 1973, 2003
– Support of a balanced and progressive tax system to finance necessary governmental services

– Opposition to revenue and expenditure limits to control the growth of state government.
– Fiscal policy should be in state statutes, rather than the Constitution.

JUSTICE 

Judicial System Adopted 1940, Updated 2007
– Support of a flexible unified system of courts under the Supreme Court
– Support of the Nonpartisan Court Plan and an improved system of selection, tenure and retirement of judges

Juvenile Justice Adopted 1974, Updated 1987
– Support of measures to insure a coordinated system of juvenile justice which treats children fairly and effectively

NATURAL RESOURCES

Air Quality Adopted 2015 
– Promote measures to reduce pollution from mobile and stationary sources 
– Our air quality in Missouri should be protected and promoted, taking into account air pollution caused by motor vehicles, power plants, factory farming, waste disposal and other challenges to our environment. 

Hazardous and Solid Waste Adopted 1972, Updated 1987
– Support of strong provisions to fulfill state and local government’s responsibility for hazardous and solid waste management

Land Use and Growth Management Adopted 1976 Based on National Positions 1986
– Support for the adoption and implementation of long range land use plans and regulations by state, county and municipal governments which incorporate sound policy development based upon the goals, needs and resources of each locale. 

Water Adopted 1958, Updated 1989
– Support of a comprehensive water policy for Missouri, one that includes the public trust doctrine

Climate Change Adopted 2017
– Recognize manmade climate change as a critical threat to the planet

SOCIAL POLICY

Education Adopted 1965, Updated 1970, 1974, 1983
– Support for equal opportunity in education, access to quality programs and adequate financing.

Charter Schools Adopted 1999, Updated 2007, 2015
The League does not support or oppose charter schools. Since Missouri law permits Charter schools, the League supports criteria for governance and operations similar to those of traditional public schools, but accountability and accreditation same as those of traditional public schools.

Family Planning Adopted 1988 by Concurrence with Springfield/Green Co.
– Support state family planning programs and educational programs about family planning including funding for these programs.

Human Trafficking Adopted 2015
– The League opposes all forms of domestic and international human trafficking. The League supports appropriate legislation and policy to lead to strict enforcing of these laws; services for victims; and education and awareness in our communities and schools.

Minimum Wage Adopted 2018 (Concurrence St. Louis Metro)
– Promote a minimum wage of at least $12.00/hr in Missouri to advance self-sufficiency for individuals and families

Gun Control Adopted 2014
– Promote the protection of the health and safety of citizens through limiting the accessibility and regulating the ownership of handguns and semi-automatic weapons. – Support regulation of firearms for consumer safety.

HEALTH

Behavioral Health Adopted 2015, Amended 2016
– Support an adequately funded behavioral health care system, and strengthens families. 
Implement full insurance parity for behavioral health care.

Medical Marijuana Adopted 2015
– Support legislation which allows marijuana for medical treatments 
– Support treating possession as one of the lowest law enforcement priorities

PUBLIC LIBRARIES Adopted 2007, Amended 2013
– Support of a public library system as a basic community service, including internet access, with a long-term assured, stable and adequate funding source.
– Support of access by all persons to public library services as a major source of knowledge and information necessary for informed, active participation in a democratic society.